A quick geography lesson

Never choose me as your lifeline for a geography question on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.” I am the worst. I may have a few kangaroos loose in the top paddock, as they say. So, I did a bit of research on exactly what countries are included in the “Land Down Under.” It turns out both Australia and New Zealand are technically considered “down under” because they’re in the Southern Hemisphere. Both of them are in this op-shopping extravaganza.

The “Op Shop”

An opportunity shop, otherwise called an Op Shop, generally refers to a charity thrift shop. Like in the US, many charities such as the SPCA, St. Vincent de Paul, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army (also referred to as “Sallies” and “Salvos”) have op shops to add to their revenue. Other charities, like Eastgate Op Shop are smaller community charity organizations. They offer the thrill of the hunt, plus extras like coffee and a $2 brownie or a generous loyalty card “scheme.”

Buying and selling is a doddle

In addition to thrift shops, both Aussies (pronounced Ozzies) and Kiwis (New Zealanders) love boutiques that specialize in high end resale. Two of those shops also happen to be SimpleConsign customers. Both are heaps good. Tatty’s Designer Recycle has 2 stores in Auckland, New Zealand and has been a customer of ours for almost 2 years. A recent review stated, “Not only do they make buying from them a breeze, selling is also a doddle. Drop off your items, use your online account to check the status of your items and wait to see how much money your second-hand garments have sold for!” (I’m trusting “doddle” is good.) Another customer of ours, Recycle Boutique, has a total of 8 locations throughout New Zealand. Their glowing review said, “With a great team and system on hand, selling your un-wanted clothes couldn’t be more straightforward and stress-free!” (I love that they mentioned our system).

Fair dinkum mate

According to research, there are more than 2400 op shops across Australia. The most popular online classifieds website in the UK, Australia and New Zealand is Gumtree. Like Craigslist, the ads are free and offer everything from used merchandise to houses for rent. Gumtree recently did research on resale in the land down under. The bottom line, according to Gumtree…Aussies are hoarders. A whopping 91% of them have unwanted items in their homes and 60% have sold some of those items within the last year. “Most Australians (86%) say they prefer buying second hand over brand new and this is motivated by the desire to save money,” the Gumtree report added. The top items being sold are housewares (called homewares) and furniture, followed by clothing and shoes.

Visiting the Land Down Under?

Bring yer Mum for a heaps good day of op-shoppin’. Your wardrobe will be chocka* after a day and maybe you’ll find a Chrissie prezzy* or two for the tin lids*. We might even go to Maccas* for dinnies* afterwards.

*squiz = take a look at

*chocka = full

*Chrissie = Christmas

*prezzy = presents

*tin lids = kids

*Maccas = McDonalds

*dinnies = dinner

Deb McGonagle

I have been a writer for various forms of marketing for awhile now. I've written my share of radio and TV scripts, magazine and newspaper ads as well as direct mail brochures and newsletters. Currently, as the Marketing Director for Traxia, home of SimpleConsign software, I've moved into blog posts, eBooks and website text. It's been an ever changing and ever challenging journey but I've loved it all along the way.

Questions?

SimpleConsign is priced on a per location pricing model.
Location is defined as a physical building not separated by any partition. Multiple terminals are allowed in this location and occasional pop up sales are also permitted off site with prior Traxia approval. If another location is set up as a terminal the store will be charged an additional store price equivalent to the current program. SimpleConsign reserves the right to discontinue service if an additional terminal is used in lieu of another location.

Another location is defined by the following:
Inventory is separated by location (including a space in the same strip center)
Your location does several pop up shows per year
You require separate reporting for inventory or sales management